Why does Penang link its election timing to other PAS states?

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Penang Open to Discussing Simultaneous State Elections with Other States

Penang is amenable to discussing the timing of its state elections to coincide with those of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, and Selangor. The state government, led by Pakatan Harapan (PH), has indicated a potential timeframe of May, June, or July for these elections, acknowledging that the ultimate decision rests with the PH leadership. The Penang state legislative assembly is scheduled to reach its five-year term on August 2 next year, after which it would be automatically dissolved if not dissolved earlier.
Political Landscape and Previous Stance

Penang, along with Selangor and Negri Sembilan, is governed by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. In contrast, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu are led by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). Notably, all six of these states had previously opted not to hold their state polls concurrently with the federal general election that took place on November 19. This collective decision highlights a strategic alignment among these states regarding electoral scheduling.
Rationale for Synchronised Elections

The willingness of Penang to align its election timing with other states, particularly those led by PAS, stems from a desire for logistical and political expediency. Holding simultaneous elections can potentially reduce campaign costs and voter fatigue by consolidating electoral activities. For states that previously agreed to de-synchronise from the general election, reconvening for a joint state election with a contiguous bloc of other states presents a similar opportunity for efficiency.
Interdependence of State Assembly Dissolution

The Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, has explicitly stated that the timing of Penang's state election will also be contingent on the decisions made by the PAS-led states regarding the dissolution of their respective legislative assemblies. This indicates a mutual interdependence in scheduling, where the actions of one group of states can influence the electoral calendar of the other, particularly given their shared decision to defer polls from the recent general election.

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Why does Penang link its election timing to other PAS states?

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